The experimental program was carried out
according to the following phases:
• Phase I (runs 1–2) aimed at verifying the oxidation
time required, at raw water pH, by both
using the stoichiometric dose of the oxidizing
agent (KMnO4) and half of it. Oxidized samples
were filtered through a 35 μm filter to simulate
the self cleaning tangential flow membrane
filters effects;
• Phase II (runs 3–6) aimed at verifying the effect,
on the removal performance, of a basic
pH (8.5) at the different oxidant doses (stoichiometric
and half stoichiometric) and oxidation
time. The filtration phase was carried
out using a 0.45 μm filter;
• Phase III (runs 7–11) aimed at improving the
35 μm filtration phase performance by enlarging
and strengthening the flocks, through the
use of several polyelectrolytes. The best performing
polyelectrolyte as well as its optimal
dose and time of addition were identified. This
activity was carried out through several runs;
the proper method, however, should be the
measure of the zeta potential through a zetameter
[27,28].